Alachua County extended its countywide burn ban through March 27 after reviewing current wildland fire conditions and consulting with state officials.
On Friday, the county made the announcement and urged residents to “exercise extreme caution as severe drought conditions continue to significantly increase wildfire risk across our community. If you see any fires, please call 911 to report them.”
Worsening drought conditions have elevated wildfire activity throughout the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-33 on Feb. 9 that declared a State of Emergency and included Alachua County. The order recognizes the growing wildfire threat resulting from critically dry conditions across Florida.
On Wednesday, the Suwannee River Water Management District and the St. Johns River Water Management District, which encompass counties throughout North Central Florida, adopted a Phase II Severe Water Shortage Order due to declining water levels and ongoing drought conditions.
With the order, landscaping irrigation is limited to one day per week based on the last number of your address. Residential addresses ending with an even number can irrigate on Sundays and an odd number may water on Saturdays, while commercial may water on Tuesdays. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are not permitted to require extra watering for appearance. Washing driveways, sidewalks and streets is prohibited unless for safety reasons and low-volume pressure washing is only permitted for painting, sealing or construction preparation.
“To protect our springs, rivers, lakes, and water supply, property owners are encouraged to leave irrigation systems off and hand water plants that are wilting and showing stress,” said Stacie Greco, the Alachua County water resources program manager, in a press release.
For more information on watering restrictions and a link to report water waste, visit the Alachua County Environmental Protection website.
In Alachua County, dry soils, stressed vegetation, and elevated fire danger have created hazardous conditions countywide.
The burn ban prohibits all unauthorized open burning, including:
- Campfires and bonfires
- Unpermitted controlled burns
- Burning yard or household trash
- Burning construction or organic debris
- Igniting fireworks
Only limited exemptions apply, such as the use of small barbecue grills or activities conducted under a valid state-issued burn authorization.
The release stated that “anyone who violates the burn ban may be held financially liable for all damages caused by a resulting fire, including the full costs of wildfire suppression and extinguishment efforts. These costs can be substantial.”
Residents are urged to:
- Fully comply with the countywide burn ban
- Avoid any activity that could create sparks or open flames
- Properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials
- Report smoke or wildfires immediately by calling 911. Early reporting can prevent a small fire from becoming a major wildfire
Conditions will continue to be monitored closely, and updates will be provided as needed. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at AlertAlachua.com.
View the county’s burn ban notice.
For more information, contact Alachua County Fire Rescue at 352-384-3101.